Athletes you should know to be an informed Panthers fan

There’s a lot to know as a freshman starting college. Where to go, what to do, what to… There’s a lot to know as a freshman starting college. Where to go, what to do, what to bring, what to leave at home, what classes to take, what classes to turn and run away from — the list goes on and on. Being a freshman at Pitt, though, requires you to know just a little something more.

In order to function as a well-rounded student of this university, students must be familiar with something Pitt is known for — its athletics. And while there is much to know about traditions, the teams, the coaches, the players and the facilities, there are a few individuals students should know about and keep an eye on during the next year.

Tyler Palko, quarterback, football — Born and raised in the Pittsburgh area, Palko is no stranger to what football means in Western Pa. In high school, Palko led the West Allegheny football team to the state championship game where it captured the first Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association class AAA title for a Western Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic League team. He was one of the country’s most coveted high school prospects three years ago, earning Pennsylvania Player of the Year and USA Today All-America honors.

Upon graduation, he headed to Pitt to continue his success. Palko lettered his freshman year as the primary backup, playing in a total of six games and passing for a total of 13 yards. Since then, things have been quite different.

Two years ago, marking his first as the Panthers’ starting quarterback, Palko led Pitt all the way to the BCS Fiesta Bowl in Tempe, Ariz., for the team’s fifth consecutive postseason appearance. He passed for a total of 3,067 yards and 24 touchdowns for the season while leading Pitt to an 8-4 record.

Last season, however, Palko stumbled along with the Panthers in their first losing season since 1999. While going 5-6, Palko and the Panther offense suffered severe adversity being forced to switch from former head coach Walt Harris’ West Coast passing offense to current head coach Dave Wannstedt’s run first and often attack.

Palko only threw for 2,392 yards and 17 touchdowns on the year, but threw significantly less. The redshirt junior was also on the run quite often because of an inexperienced offensive line.

But throughout spring practice this year, there is no doubt Palko is still the undisputed leader of the Panthers. And with only a year left to play, there’s no telling what kind of explosion Wannstedt and Pitt could see out of number three.

Aaron Gray, center, basketball — You better get to know this guy, and quick. As of this month, the 7-foot junior has declared for the NBA draft. While many believe Gray will test the professional waters and return for his senior season, there have been rumors that Gray will be a first-round pick.

It’s easy to see why an NBA team would want to have a guy like Gray on their roster. At 7-feet-tall, Gray was literally head and shoulders over his competition in the Big East last season.

In his first year as a starter, Gray was the only player in the conference to average a double-double with around 14 points and 10 rebounds per game. He further assured his future as a pro with a dominating 23-point, 12-rebound performance in a four-point loss at UConn.

Gray’s season-long performance was recognized by the Big East when he won the conference’s Most Improved Player award.

The only thing holding Gray back from the pros right now is consistency. Critics and fans alike have noticed Gray’s streakiness on the court, which could be remedied with another year under Jamie Dixon and the Panthers.

Either way, expect to see Aaron Gray in the NBA in the not-so-distant future.

Diana Andreyko, outside hitter, volleyball — You’ll know which Panther she is as soon as you go to your first volleyball game at the Fitzgerald Field House. A junior this fall, Andreyko has a domineering presence over the net that is unequaled by any opponent.

As a freshman, Andreyko won the honors of Big East Rookie of the Year while helping the team return to its second straight Big East Tournament, which it won the year before.

Last year, Andreyko led the team in kills, points and service aces per game, and placed second in the Big East in each of those categories. She has won Big East Player of the Week numerous times spanning each of the last two seasons.

Originally from the Ukraine, Andreyko attended nearby Baldwin High School and was named All-State two years in a row. Her coach, Chris Beerman, has likened her presence and athletic ability to some of the best players he’s coached in his career, namely former Panther Megan Miller, who was named Big East Player of the Year while leading the Panthers to the Big East Championship.